The Nigeria Customs Service, under its Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, tagged “Customs Cares,” said it is targeting to assist 50,000 students in Nigeria with educational materials in 2025.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this in Lagos while commissioning a school, Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, located in Araromi in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, renovated by the service.

The project, which was adopted and funded by the Tincan Island Port Command, in collaboration with the NCSC Headquarters in Abuja, has provided pupils in the community, as well as their teachers, with a conducive learning environment.

Speaking further, Adeniyi stressed that the target of the Service in 2025 is to directly reach out to, “50,000 students across the country by supporting them with educational items like pencils, bags, biros among others. The NCS had achieved part of this goal with help already rendered to 12,000 students with 5,000 of them in Lagos, including 2,000 presented with items today.”

Adeniyi expressed satisfaction that the intervention has provided a better learning environment for students and has ignited the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The CGC reiterated that the service would continue to touch lives in other areas such as healthcare, sports, information and communication technology, the creative industry, as well as support for the less privileged in society.

Customs is not in competition with any government agency, but recognises that the communities where the commands are located have been a strong pillar of support, and we deem it fit to pay back to society. Will will ensure to collaborate with other sister agencies to do more for our communities,” Adeniyi stated.

Adeniyi advised the pupils to take their studies seriously, urging them to make judicious use of the facilities to excel in their academics, promising to do more for the school in the future.

He also commended the officers and men of the Tincan Island Command, as well as the input of other stakeholders in the realisation of the project.

On his part, the Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Command, Frank Onyeka, thanked the CGC for the opportunity to serve and be a part of the laudable initiative. He also appreciated the stakeholders of the Command for their support and partnership on the project.

“I really want to commend the Headmistress of the school, the teachers, and students for their determination and role in making sure the project was a success,” he added.

Also, the Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, appreciated customs for the project, adding that it is a leverage to what the state government is doing in the educational sector.

While promising that the Universal Basic Education Commission in the state will ensure proper maintenance of the project, he charged parents and community leaders to contribute their quota to its sustainability.

The school Headmistress, Mrs Esther Ogunfuyi, said, “Generosity and concern for education.” The agency’s support and partnership have made a meaningful impact on the school. We are here to acknowledge and celebrate something truly special, the renovation and adoption of our school by the Nigeria Customs Service Tincan Island Port Command Apapa-Lagos.

“This transformation we see around us is more than just new walls, fresh paint, or improved facilities. It is a reflection of your belief in the potential of our pupils, your commitment to quality education, and your desire to make a lasting difference.

“By renovating our school, you have given us a renewed sense of pride and hope, and by adopting us, you have gone even further, you are committed to walking this journey with us, offering continued support and partnership that will shape the future of our learners.”